More than 300 birds were seized from a Baltimore pet store this week after animal control officers found many living in unsanitary conditions, leaving the BARCS animal shelter scrambling to care for hundreds of chirping survivors.
What began with a response to a 311 complaint about exotic bird shop Loros Exoticos quickly grew into a much larger operation. Animal control officers initially removed 47 birds on Friday before returning Wednesday to seize another 322. The birds were being held in unsanitary conditions and some were sick, officials said.
Itβs unclear whether the shop has been shut down by the Baltimore City Health Department, but the store did post an announcement on Facebook saying that they do not have any birds available.
βWe just wanted to let everyone know that, for the time being, we will no longer be selling birds until further notice,β said the post.
Management at Loros Exoticos did not immediately respond to The Bannerβs request for comment.
BARCS announced the rescue on Facebook, saying that βhundreds of birds suddenly needed safety, medical care, and a fresh start.β The post went on to explain that many arrived in poor condition and required specialized treatment.
The influx stretched the shelterβs resources well beyond capacity. Veterinarians from the Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium were called in to help treat the birds, while staff converted areas normally used for other animals into temporary housing because the shelterβs bird space isnβt designed to accommodate hundreds of them long term.
BARCS is working with rescue organizations that are expected to take in most of the birds in the coming days. A spokesperson for BARCS confirmed that all of the birds have now found rescue placement.
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